Our National Treasure, the BBC, has a sideshow channel named BBC3 and it's on here that the show "Is Breast Best??" aired on 12/4/2011
Further info available just now is on the BBC3 site. It aired at 21:00 and at 23:45 (12/4/2011). See also the BBC3 page to catch up via the iPlayer.
The title makes me cringe, as we know Breast isn't Best, it's just the normal way of feeding a child.
But it also brings back memories of the dreadful mess-up over the non-science published and promoted by the BMJ, discussing the weaning guidelines.
The presenter Cherry Healey also made a show last year about the impending birth of her child.
I have the fingers on one hand (see below) crossed that this show is informative & positive despite it's title - because this lass does seem to engage with other Mums, being likeable and fun.
But seeing her showreel (available on this page) - dosn't fill me with hope! (The only shots of infants feeding I spotted were... with bottles.)
Most worryingly of all, the BBC3 website also fanfares a live webchat from 21:30 with Cherry Healey and a "Breastfeeding Expert". I wrote to BBC3 and the production company expressing the hope that they would be retaining one of many excellent qualified Spokespeople from Lactation Support Groups (such as LLL, ABM, BfN, etc).
I had the fingers on my other hand crossed, of course, hoping that it wouldn't be the same Expert who is so heavily touted in current advertising for National Baby Shows, or who I feel gave such poor advice in the recent Vanessa Show or webchats.
**STOP PRESS: Hoorah! Not that expert! But Hmmm, it is in fact Dr Trisha McNair. Not a lactation expert then... this Doctor has "a particular clinical interest in geriatrics". The Doctor has written interestingly about how to extend your life with a healthy lifestyle - wonder if breastfeeding was included on the list?? (After all, it reduces the risks of several life-threatening conditions for the mother & the child.)
If you have an issue you'd like to bring up with either Cherry, or a Doctor with interests/expertise in "dementia and ethical issues especially around the end of life" then the BBC has helpfully provided a forum for you to do so! **
Slightly more cheered by a new list (online here) of resources for those "affected by the issues in this programme."
If I had a third hand to cross fingers with, I'd hope against all hope that (if this show is anti-BF) then our beloved British media would not jump onto the back of this particular handcart... and just leave it all alone to be quietly ignored.
Perhaps that's the answer then - just don't watch it!!
****
Wednesday morning:
Heck, I did watch a lot of it. {Link to iPlayer where it's available till ~April 25th.}
TV is still intact... not too many TV's thrown out of the window this time. The general opinion seems to have been "it could have been worse" - but Dearest Auntie BBC3, is that all we deserve? The first 1/4 of the show was dreadful. The last part (summing up what's needed) was marvellous and I'm sure it was greeted with cheers.
I felt so heartbroken for the poor young lass who was filmed interminably putting up with the pain of poor positioning - that was my "shouting-at-the-TV" moment. If it's hurting, seek help!! And why was she so willing to be shown breastfeeding on national TV, but not in a small cafe?
Great to see our local lass (Lucy) was treated well by the production. Very disappointing to see Kathryn Blundell (now editor of Mother & Baby magazine) given airtime.
Dr Colin Michie is my new favourite Doctor, it may be time to say move over Dr Jay Gordon.
One commenter online has suggested a marvellous idea - it would really bring some balance to the myths presented by these documentaries (and the One born every Minute brigade, too) - a documentary which follows children through in a more steady manner, from birth through the initial "learning the Art of BF" stages, through baby-led weaning, return to work etc. Humans are a more complex story than the issues which surround just one of those stages. If mothers-to-be could be helped to see the whole story, then BF rates may rise?
I'll not write more on the show itself as it was comprehensively described and commented on by Jane (of HBW) - for the Acorn Pack blog.
You can also read more about the show from Cherry Healey herself on a BBC blog page: here.
The online webchat, though - that was a fairly poor one. (It seems to have been very carefully monitored to pluck out any lactivists, btw). You'll remember that there is some concern that BF advice would ideally be given by a person who is a qualified Lactation Consultant.
The doctor employed for this chat was "community doctor Trisha MacNair, who has talked to lots of young women about breastfeeding and has written extensively on the subject". As I've pointed out above, a Google search for Dr MacNair reveals an interest in Geriatrics. A further delve since then has revealed a piece in the Herald (2004) and an info page on Mastitis for the BBC Health Guide.
The webchat contained:
- Some poor information which wasn't clear, and seemed to go directly against Official Guidelines on an appropriate age at which to wean. "Ideally you should breastfeed for the first six months, after which time you can start to introduce solid foods but you may want to carry on giving some breastfeeds but in the end every day you breastfeed counts." and further "NHS recommends breastfeeding until the baby is six months".
- This was also the case with some of the other coverage around this show - Dr Hilary on a daytime show (with Cherry Healey) suggested that "breastmilk alone for 6 months was not enough" - in other words, again suggesting that the weaning guidelines have changed.
- A further misapprehension that Breastfeeding is painful/dramatic - "Mastitis - most women experience it at some time while breastfeeding", reinforcing the view which was prevalent in the show itself. (Mastitis is actually pretty rare!!)
- Cherry's early answer to Kellie was more positive: "just wanted to know if breast feeding hurts for everyone?" : "No it definitely doesn't hurt for everyone. For some women, it's really lovely and the baby latches on beautifully, right from the start!" (Was that just a lucky fluke for them, then?)
- Guest: "Is there anything you can do to prepare your breasts or nipples for feeding in the weeks before giving birth?" Dr Trisha: "You can make sure the nipple skin is moisturised but what's most important is how you look after your breasts and how the baby latches on. If the baby latches on correctly they you shouldn't have too many problems." {How about going to a class/group/reading a book? How exactly does one "look after breasts?". Wear a properly fitting bra, perhaps??}
- And several rather glib answers along the line of "if you're latching on properly it shouldn't hurt" (what does properly MEAN??!!). This was no doubt due to lack of time. For example, in answer to Danielle: "How do you know when your breastmilk has dried up?" Dr Trisha: "Your baby might seem to appear hungry and unsettled. As long as you're feeding correctly you should continue producing milk." (at least pumping to check wasn't mentioned... but how about nappies? What goes in, must come out. And again, "feeding correctly" - what does that mean?)
I think the show & even the brief webchat had a number of very positive aspects, not least of which the plugs for Breastfeeding Support Groups & Advice lines (rather than a visit to a GP, or "just" giving up).
What a shame there was no mention of the dreadful funding levels, and the massive reliance on volunteers.
Further reading:
BBC.co.uk last year - article about why "Breast is Best" isn't that helpful a motto. (Just cos it rhymes, don't make it good.)
Cherry Healey blog on BBC.
Mumsnet
Telegraph - short review and factual article in response.
Gruaniad - TV review page, scroll down.
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